Emirates has cancelled all four scheduled flights between Dubai and Jakarta on Monday, September 7, after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau disrupted operations at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. The disruption affects passengers travelling between the UAE and Indonesia, with Emirates advising affected customers to check their flight status and arrange rebooking.
- Location: Dubai and Jakarta
- Airline: Emirates
- Status: Four September 7 flights cancelled
- Who is affected: Passengers travelling between Dubai and Jakarta with Emirates
- Impact: Wider disruption across Indonesian airports and thousands of flights
- What’s next: Emirates is monitoring the situation and advising passengers to check for updates before travelling
Emirates has cancelled all four Dubai-Jakarta flights scheduled for Monday, September 7, after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau led to the temporary closure of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta.
The affected services are Emirates flights EK356 and EK358 from Dubai to Jakarta, along with EK357 and EK359 from Jakarta to Dubai. The airline said passengers connecting through Dubai to Jakarta will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice.
The cancellations come as Indonesia deals with a wider aviation disruption caused by the ongoing volcanic activity.
Why has Emirates cancelled Dubai-Jakarta flights?
The immediate reason is the temporary closure of Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, known by its airport code CGK.
Indonesia’s aviation authorities suspended airport operations after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau entered areas affecting flight safety. Volcanic ash can pose a serious risk to aircraft, particularly when it enters engines, which is why airlines may suspend flights even when an airport itself has not suffered physical damage.
Emirates’ latest travel advisory confirms that the Jakarta airport closure has resulted in delays and cancellations affecting its Dubai-Jakarta services. The airline is continuing to monitor the situation.
Emirates normally operates 14 flights a week between Dubai and Jakarta, with two services in each direction on operating days. Its published schedule lists EK356 and EK358 from Dubai to Jakarta and EK357 and EK359 in the opposite direction.
Mount Anak Krakatau remains on alert
The flight disruption is linked to renewed activity at Mount Anak Krakatau, the volcano located in Indonesia’s Sunda Strait.
Indonesia’s Geological Agency said Anak Krakatau has remained at Level III, or Siaga, since July 2, 2026. The agency reported a period of continuous eruption beginning late on September 5, accompanied by volcanic ash, glowing material and rumbling sounds.
Authorities have also continued to record Strombolian-style eruptions, which can send ash and incandescent material into the air.
The Geological Agency has advised people and visitors to stay outside a 3km radius from the volcano’s active centre. It has also warned about potential hazards including lava flows, incandescent rocks and heavy ashfall.
The latest disruption is particularly significant because Anak Krakatau has a history of major eruptions. The Geological Agency has noted that the volcano’s activity has previously been associated with tsunami events, including the deadly Sunda Strait tsunami in 2018. However, the current authorities’ assessments do not indicate an immediate tsunami threat.
How widespread is the Indonesia flight disruption?
The problem extends well beyond Emirates and the Dubai-Jakarta route.
According to Reuters, the volcanic ash disrupted operations at several Indonesian airports, with seven airports still affected on Monday. More than 2,300 flights and 270,000 travellers had been affected by the disruption by September 7, as services were delayed, diverted or cancelled.
Soekarno-Hatta is the biggest concern for international travellers because it is Jakarta’s main airport and one of Indonesia’s key aviation hubs.
Other airlines have also adjusted their schedules as a result of the ash cloud. The disruption means passengers travelling through Jakarta may face knock-on delays even if their original airline has not cancelled a particular service.
Indonesia’s meteorological authorities are continuing to monitor the movement and concentration of volcanic ash to support aviation safety decisions.
What should Dubai passengers do now?
Passengers booked on the affected Emirates flights should not simply head to Dubai International Airport expecting the flight to operate.
Emirates has asked customers to check their flight status regularly and review the airline’s latest operational updates before travelling to the airport. Passengers who booked through a travel agency should contact the agency for rebooking, while those who booked directly with Emirates should contact the airline.
The airline has also asked affected customers to make sure their contact details are up to date in Manage Your Booking, allowing Emirates to send notifications about schedule changes.
Travellers connecting through Dubai to Jakarta should also be aware that Emirates says they will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice.
At this stage, passengers should avoid assuming that a cancelled flight will automatically be replaced by the next scheduled service. Further changes will depend on airport operations and the movement of volcanic ash.
Why It Matters?
The Dubai-Jakarta route is important for both leisure and business travellers moving between the UAE and Indonesia.
Jakarta is a major gateway for Indonesia, while Dubai is a key international connection point for passengers travelling between Southeast Asia, the Middle East and other global destinations. Any prolonged closure at CGK can therefore create wider knock-on effects for connecting passengers.
For UAE residents planning a trip to Indonesia, the immediate priority is to check their airline and flight number before leaving for the airport. Travellers with onward domestic connections from Jakarta should also allow for possible changes if international services remain disrupted.
The situation also highlights how quickly volcanic activity in one part of Southeast Asia can affect international aviation networks, including routes connecting directly with Dubai.
What happens next?
Emirates has not announced a blanket suspension of the Dubai-Jakarta route beyond the currently affected services. The airline said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide operational updates as conditions change.
Indonesia’s authorities are also continuing to assess volcanic activity and ash movement before deciding when affected airports can safely resume normal operations.
For now, passengers should rely on the latest airline and airport updates rather than assuming that services will return to schedule at a specific time.
FAQs
Are all Emirates Dubai-Jakarta flights cancelled on September 7?
Yes. Emirates has confirmed cancellations for EK356, EK358, EK357 and EK359 scheduled on September 7.
Why are Dubai-Jakarta flights cancelled?
The flights were cancelled because Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport was temporarily closed due to volcanic ash linked to Mount Anak Krakatau.
Is Mount Anak Krakatau still active?
Yes. Indonesia’s Geological Agency has kept the volcano at Level III (Siaga) and continues to monitor its activity.
Can affected Emirates passengers get rebooked?
Emirates advises passengers affected by the cancellations to contact their travel agency for rebooking. Customers who booked directly with Emirates should contact the airline.
Should Dubai travellers still go to the airport?
Passengers with affected flights should check their latest flight status and Emirates’ operational updates before travelling to Dubai International Airport.
Emirates’ Dubai-Jakarta services have been disrupted by the temporary closure of Jakarta’s main airport following volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau. With volcanic activity continuing and Indonesian authorities monitoring conditions, passengers should check their flight status regularly and wait for confirmed airline updates before travelling.
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